DeWalt DWS715 Compound Miter Saw Review: Good Enough?
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the DeWalt DWS715 12-Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw, a tool that has garnered attention in the woodworking and construction circles for its blend of functionality and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a budding DIY enthusiast, or somewhere in between, selecting the right miter saw is crucial for the success of your projects. This review aims to delve into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the DWS715, providing you with an insightful analysis of how this tool could fit into your work routine. We’ll examine everything from its cutting capabilities and ease of use to its portability and precision, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and discover whether the DeWalt DWS715 is the tool that could elevate your woodworking or construction projects to the next level.
DeWalt DWS715 12-Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw Overview
The DeWalt DWS715 miter saw is a robust and versatile tool designed for precision cutting in various woodworking projects. It promises to deliver accuracy and efficiency, thanks to its powerful 15 amp motor capable of reaching a no-load speed of 4,000 RPM. This saw is particularly noted for its lightweight and portable design, making it a suitable choice for both hobbyists and skilled woodworkers. It comes equipped with a 12-inch carbide-tipped blade and offers a range of cutting capacities, including bevels and miters. The purchase includes a 3-year limited warranty and a 1-year free service plan, ensuring long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.
What makes the DWS715 stand out in its category is its combination of power, precision, and portability. Its sturdy construction and adjustable features like the stainless steel detent plate with 14 positive stops add to its accuracy and ease of use.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design for easy transportation
- Powerful 15 amp motor for efficient cutting
- Adjustable features for precision in cutting angles
- Compatibility with various accessories for expanded utility
- Affordable pricing compared to other premium brands
Cons
- Dust collection system could be more effective
- Absence of a thumb-activated safety trigger
- Angle markings can be imprecise, requiring additional adjustments
- Lacks laser guidance for precise cuts
DeWalt DWS715 Miter Saw Review – Features and Benefits
Lightweight and Portable Design
One of the most striking features of this DeWalt miter saw is its lightweight and portable design. Weighing just 42.8 pounds, it’s surprisingly easy to move around, which is a boon for those who frequently transport their tools to different job sites or areas of their home. This portability doesn’t come at the expense of stability, though. When set up, the saw remains firm and steady, ensuring precise cuts. This combination of portability and stability makes it an ideal choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need a reliable saw that can be easily moved.
Power and Speed
The 15 amp motor is a powerhouse, driving the blade to a no-load speed of 4,000 RPM. This high speed allows for quick and efficient cutting through various materials. Whether it’s hardwoods or softer materials, the saw handles them with ease, making it perfect for a range of cutting tasks. The power and speed of this saw mean that users can expect clean, swift cuts every time, significantly reducing the effort and time needed for their projects.
Miter and Bevel Capabilities
The DWS715’s miter and bevel capabilities are noteworthy. Its miter detente plate offers miters of 0-50 degrees left and right, and bevels from 0 to 48 degrees to the left and 0 to 3 degrees to the right. While not a dual-bevel saw, this range of motion allows for a wide variety of cuts, making the saw incredibly versatile. The cam miter lock system and adjustable stainless steel detent plate with 14 positive stops add to the accuracy and repeatability of cuts. As someone who has used the saw, I found these features invaluable for ensuring precise angles and making complex cuts more manageable.
Cutting Capacity
The saw’s ability to crosscut dimensional lumber at 2×8 inches at 90 degrees and 2×6 inches at 45 degrees is impressive for a saw without a slide function. This broad cutting capacity means it can handle larger pieces of wood, making it suitable for more substantial projects. The 12-inch blade also contributes to this versatility, providing deep and wide cuts that many other saws in this category cannot achieve.
Durability and Warranty
Durability is a key aspect of any DeWalt tools and this miter saw is no exception. Its rugged construction promises longevity, which is backed by a 3-year limited warranty and 1-year free service plan. This robust build quality gives confidence in the tool’s ability to withstand heavy use over time. The warranty and service plan are reassuring, offering peace of mind that the saw is a long-term investment.
The DWS715 12-Inch Single Bevel Miter Saw stands out for its blend of portability, power, precision, and durability. Its versatile cutting capabilities and robust construction make it a valuable tool for a wide range of cutting tasks, appealing to both hobbyists and professional users.
DeWalt DWS715 Compound Miter Saw Review – Drawbacks
Dust Collection System
One noticeable drawback of the saw is its dust collection system. Despite having a dust bag, it often fails to capture all the sawdust generated during cutting. This inefficiency means that I frequently had to pause to empty the bag or clean the workspace, which can be disruptive and time-consuming, especially during larger projects. For those who prioritize cleanliness or work in indoor environments, this could be a significant inconvenience.
Weight
Although it’s marketed as lightweight and portable, the saw’s weight of 42.8 pounds can still be cumbersome for some users. In my experience, moving the saw between locations wasn’t as effortless as I had hoped. This weight might not be an issue for those who plan to keep it stationary in a workshop, but for contractors or hobbyists who need to frequently transport their saw, the heft can be a downside.
Lack of Advanced Safety Features
The absence of a thumb-activated safety trigger is a notable omission. While the saw has basic safety features like the blade guard over the saw blade, the lack of this particular function means extra caution is needed during operation to avoid accidental starts or injuries. For a tool of this caliber, I expected more advanced safety mechanisms.
Precision of Angle Markings
The angle markings on the saw aren’t always as precise as one might need for intricate woodworking projects. While the saw does offer a wide range of miter and bevel adjustments, I sometimes found myself needing to do additional sanding or cutting to achieve the exact angle I wanted. This lack of precision in the angle markings could be a setback for professionals or enthusiasts who demand exactness in their work.
Absence of Laser or Shadow Guide
Finally, the lack of a laser guide, or DeWalt’s own XPS CUTLINE system, is a significant omission. These help in making more precise cuts by providing a clear visual indication of where the blade will cut. Without them, lining up cuts can be more challenging and time-consuming, especially for less experienced users or in complex projects.
While the saw excels in power, versatility, and cutting capacity, these drawbacks, particularly in the aspects of dust collection, weight, safety features, precision, and the absence of a guide, might limit its appeal to certain users, especially those requiring high precision and mobility.
Final Verdict
The DeWalt DWS715 12 Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw addresses the essential need for precise, efficient, and versatile cutting in various woodworking and construction projects. This need is paramount for anyone engaged in woodworking, whether as a hobby or professionally, as precise cuts are critical for the integrity and aesthetics of the final product.
The saw stands out as an excellent solution for this need due to its powerful 15 amp motor, which ensures efficient and fast cutting through a variety of materials. Additionally, its range of miter and bevel adjustments, coupled with a 12-inch blade, provides the versatility needed for a wide array of cutting tasks. The saw’s combination of portability and robust construction also makes it a reliable tool for both workshop and on-site work, striking a balance between ease of transport and steady, precise operation.
However, it’s important to note that this saw might not be the best fit for everyone. Professionals seeking ultra-precise cuts, or those who frequently need to transport their tools to various locations, might find the saw’s weight and the lack of laser guidance a bit limiting. Similarly, those working in dust-sensitive environments may find the dust collection system inadequate.
For those who find the described features align with their needs, the DeWalt DWS715 is a great choice and certainly worth considering. If you’re in the market for a reliable, versatile miter saw that can handle a variety of cutting tasks with ease, click below and see if it’s the right fit for your projects.
